TRAFFIC ROUTE
CONSTRUCTION
The FEhS Institute traffic engineering laboratory has been operating for six decades and thus possesses a vast amount of knowledge. Construction material testers, some with more than 25 years of professional experience, and scientific specialists serve the entire testing spectrum of the Traffic Route Construction Department.
The RAP Stra testing laboratory of the FEhS Institute is recognised by the Ministry of Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the German Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) for subject areas D (aggregates) and I (construction material mixtures for layers without binders and for earthworks) and for water management characteristics. The entire testing activity of the department is performed on the basis of an accredited quality management system according to DIN EN 17025 (DAkkS – German Accreditation Body) with calibrated and high-quality testing equipment.
Within the framework of RAP Stra recognition, we perform the following activities for building materials manufacturers:
• Sampling
• Internal monitoring
• External monitoring
• Control testing of factory production control for mixtures of building materials
• Certification of conformity of factory production control for harmonised construction products
In addition to our activities within the scope of monitoring and certification, details of our entire range of work can be found in our Service specification.
Your contact for TRAFFIC ROUTE CONSTRUCTION
Thomas Merkel
Dr.-Ing.
Department of environment
+49(0)2065-994548
th.merkel@fehs.de
Sampling
Sampling is performed by regularly trained and experienced personnel according to standardised procedures (e.g.: LAGA PN 98, DIN EN 932-1, DIN 52101, DIN EN 13286-1 and TP Gestein-StB Part 2.2). The quality of the sampling is also proven by the accreditation. Likewise, we also accompany sampling with our expertise at the customer’s request.
Sample pre-preparation and sample preparation
At the beginning of each test is the proper sample preparation including drying, sample splitting, sample breaking, weighing, washing, etc.. We carry out this work in compliance with all technical specifications and regulations. Sample preparation is performed for all laboratories of the FEhS Institute.
Technical tests
The traffic construction laboratory tests construction materials within the scope of test orders, external and in-house monitoring as well as research projects. This is always done in compliance with the normative requirements or the individual question. Mechanical rock and mix-specific properties are tested, as well as armourstones and soils.
Field measurements
The test spectrum of the traffic engineering laboratory is supplemented by sampling of construction sites and measurements of field parameters. In addition to sampling, these include, for example:
• Load plate compression tests (static and dynamic)
• Compaction control
• Installation density
• Water permeability
Likewise, we also accompany sampling on construction sites with our technical expertise.
Fertiliser
The relevant technical properties of fertilisers are also determined in the traffic engineering laboratory. This includes sample preparation, division and particle size distribution as well as sample preparation for further chemical analysis. Further details on this area of work can be found in the fertiliser section of our Service specification.
Research
The FEhS Institute is a sought-after partner for research projects: thanks to our experienced experts, the modern and high-quality equipped laboratories with predominantly accredited test procedures or an accredited quality management, the interdisciplinary teamwork as well as the widely ramified network of industry, authorities and universities. Through our scientific expertise and technical prerequisites, we conduct high-quality application research on the use of iron and steel slags and other metallurgical materials. With success: for example, new areas of application for slag products have been found and existing fields of application have been secured and expanded.
Development of test methods and committee and standardisation work
Other focal points of our work are the development and optimisation of test methods, national and international committee work, and participation in the development of standards and other regulations based on scientific findings and work. Due to our level of knowledge and because of our committee work, we are able to initiate and accompany new developments.
Laboratory audits and training courses
Precise and accurate work in the laboratory is essential for targeted control of production. Further training and optimisation is essential to ensure a high level of quality. With our rich experience of everyday laboratory work, the development and optimisation of test methods as well as the continuous quality assurance of our testing activities, our scientists and laboratory managers are the experts who can support you in improving and optimising your laboratory processes through custom audits.
With training courses and workshops on all issues relating to the production and use of by-products of the steel and iron industry or the production and processing of cement and concrete, we strengthen your know-how, develop innovative ideas together with you and work on their implementation. Our experienced team brings its knowledge from many years of professional experience and practice-oriented research to bear for you in order to develop customised solutions with you.
We enable and maintain our quality level continuously and consistently, for example, through the following aspects:
• Quality management system according to DIN EN 17025
• Internal and external trainings
• Performance and participation in round robin tests
• Committee work (national and international)
• Cooperation and collaboration with testing institutes and universities
• Development and optimisation of test methods
• Occupational safety (on-site safety expert)
